Some spiritual principles to consider when participating in Baha’i elections

• …to consider without the least trace of passion and prejudice, and irrespective of any material consideration, the names of only those who can best combine the necessary qualities of
• unquestioned loyalty,
• of selfless devotion,
• of a well trained mind,
• of recognized ability and
• mature experience.

(Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated 3 June 1925 to the delegates and visitors at the convention of the United States and Canada, published in "Bahá'í Administration: Selected Messages 1922-1932")

• From among the pool of those whom the elector believes to be qualified to serve, selection should be made with due consideration given to such other factors as
• age distribution,
• diversity, and
• gender.  

(The Universal House of Justice, from a message dated March 25, 2007, addressed to the Baha’is of the World)

• …reference to personalities before the election would give rise to misunderstanding and differences.

(Shoghi Effendi, from a letter to a Spiritual Assembly, dated May 14, 1927; published in Principles of Bahá'í Administration; compilation: Lights of Guidance)

• ... the elector... is called upon to vote for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him to uphold.

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada, May 27,1927; published in Bahá'í Administration; compilation: Lights of Guidance)

• ... in the time of election, the friends should be in the mood of prayer, disinterestedness and detachment from worldly motives.

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, dated June 7, 1924; compilation: Lights of Guidance)